Lactose and gluten intolerances (celiac disease)
Thanks to the collaboration between NanogLab, a Rome-based company of the Nanog InternationalLifescience group and GeneticLab, national centre of reference for molecular biology and human genetics, SmartBank can offer parents the test for lactose and gluten intolerances (Lactose and Gluten with link to relative specifications).
The test shows if the baby has a genetic predisposition for one or both intolerances, so that food (or medicines from excipients) that could contain lactose or gluten can be excluded from his or her diet, totally or partially according to the gravity. Almost half the world population is intolerant to lactose, whereas at least 1% has celiac disease, becoming significantly more frequent among adults and the elderly; in both cases an early diagnosis is fundamental for a good quality of life.
Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of lactase, an enzyme necessary for metabolizing this sugar found in milk and its by-products. The symptoms include abdominal pain, flatulence, abdominal distension, slow digestion and diarrhoea. The only therapy is to exclude from the diet food containing lactose for at least three months, with a subsequent check by H2 Breath Test. It is important to diagnose the intolerance to work out a correct diet. Information sheet: lactose intolerance (pdf)
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is one of the main causes of malabsorption due to gluten intolerance, a protein contained in many cereals, such as wheat and barley. Now considered an autoimmune disease, it affects at least 1% of the world population and is becoming more frequent among adults and the elderly. At the moment the only treatment is a gluten-free diet because the continuous absorption of this protein can have serious consequences on health, causing damages to the small intestine and consequent malabsorption. Early diagnosis is therefore fundamental, because only a gluten-free diet is able to cure the typical disturbances (weight loss, abdominal swelling, diarrhoea, vitamin and mineral salt deficiency, anaemia), reduce intestinal lesions and reduce the risk of some tumours and complications linked to the disease. Information sheet: Gluten intolerance (celiac disease) (pdf)
Detailed information sheet:
Lactose intolerance (pdf)
Gluten intolerance (celiac disease) (pdf)
Test: when and how
The test can be performed starting from sixth months of age, using a simple swab to collect a cell sample from the mucosa inside the cheek. The test provides useful information for the baby, especially if performed when passing to solids. Once the sample has been collected, you only have to contact us for collection and you will receive the results directly by e-mail or normal post.
Download detailed information sheets: Lactose intolerance (pdf) + Gluten intolerance (celiac disease) (pdf)
This service includes:
- Sending the CE collection device authorized by the Ministry of Health
- Collecting the sample (at healthcare centre or your house)
- Analysing cheek swab
- Sending the test results either on hard copy or digital copy
It is possible to request only the lactose/gluten test without the umbilical cord stem cell storage service, whereas for “expectant” parents interested in both cryopreservation and the food intolerance test, there is a reduction in the test cost. In this case the device for performing the intolerance test will be sent with the cryopreservation kit.
For the cost of the tests, go to the “INTOLERANCE TEST COSTS” page.
